Fuel conservation means for internal combustion engines and the like

ABSTRACT

A device adapted to be interposed between the usual carburetor and manifold of an internal combustion engine, or the like, for receiving the fuel-air mixture from the carburetor and discharging same into the manifold, said device comprising three components or stages: a rotor member, a sonic vibrator, and a heated grid means. The rotor member is mounted in the flow stream of the fuel-air mixture and is rotated by the air intake for causing oscillation of the fuel-air mixture from the carburetor. The fuel-air mixture then enters the sonic vibration stage which causes a molecular mixing of the fuel with the air. The mixed fuel-air is then passed through the heated grid or screen, which not only straightens out the path of the flow stream of the fuel-air mixture, but also promotes vaporization of the fuel-air mixture impinging the screen, and receiving the heat by radiation. A magnetic force field is possibly established in the area of the screen or grid which magnetically affects the molecular structure of the hydrocarbon content of the fuel-air mixture to provide a more efficient power conversion of the fuel-air mixture.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is related to my prior co-pending application Ser. No.482,296, filed June 24, 1974, now U.S. Pat. No. 3,952,716, issued Apr.27, 1976.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

This invention relates to improvements in fuel conservation means andmore particularly, but not by way of limitation, to a device adapted tobe interposed between a carburetor and manifold of an internalcombustion engine, or the like, for increasing the conservation of thefuel.

2. Description of the Prior Art

In the usual internal combustion engine, or the like, the fuel-airmixture normally moves through the carburetor directly into the manifoldand to the combustion chamber for burning. The fuel and air are normallyadmitted into the carburetor and directed simultaneously into themanifold, with certain air to fuel ratios being considered optimum forachieving an efficient burning of the fuel-air mixture. For example,fourteen parts air to one part fuel is considered to be an optimum airto fuel ratio. However, with the normal present day carburetor mechanismthe air and fuel are usually not sufficiently mixed prior to dischargeinto the combustion chamber, thus resulting in an inefficient burning ofthe fuel. This causes waste of the fuel and usually causes the dischargeof pollutants into the atmosphere through the engine exhaust system.With the current and ever increasing concern with the shortage of fuels,and dangers of air pollution, it is becoming urgent to reduce fuel wasteand reduce the exhaust of pollutants into the atmosphere.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention contemplates a device which is particularlydesigned and constructed for conserving fuel during the operation of aninternal combustion engine, or the like. The novel device is adapted tobe interposed between the discharge or outlet side of a carburetor andthe inlet or intake side of a manifold for receiving the fuel-air flowstream therethrough. The fuel-air mixture from the carburetor initiallycomes into contact with a rotor means and the force of the flow streamcauses the rotor to rotate for stirring the flow stream and agitatingthe fuel-air mixture. Sonic reed or fin means is operably connected withthe rotor means for simultaneous rotation therewith, and as the flowstream passes around or through the area of the sonic blade or reedsonic vibrations are impressed on the flow stream for acting thereon.The flow stream is then directed through a heated screen or grid means,around which a magnetic force field is possibly established. The gridmeans serves to straighten out the flow path of the flow stream, and themagnetic force field affects the molecular structure of the fuel and airmixture, particularly the hydrocarbon components thereof, whichapparently promotes a more efficient power conversion of the fuel andair mixture. Of course, it is preferable that the heating of the screenor grid means be of a low order to avoid any accidental flashing of thefuel-air mixture passing therethrough. In addition, it is preferablethat the screen or grid means comprises a pair of substantiallyidentical grid elements spaced apart and rotationally orientated withrespect to each other for providing a grid pattern for passage of theflow stream therethrough with a minimum of air restriction, or toprevent any excessive air restriction.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a sectional elevational view of a fuel conservation deviceembodying the invention.

FIG. 2 is a view taken on line 2--2 of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a view taken on line 3--3 of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is an enlarged plan view of a grid element such as may beutilized in the invention.

FIG. 5 is a plan view of a modified fuel conservation device embodyingthe invention.

FIG. 6 is a sectional elevational view of the embodiment depicted inFIG. 5 and illustrated as installed in a manifold.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring to the drawings in detail, reference character 10 generallyindicates a fuel conservation device for use with internal combustionengines (not shown) or the like, and comprises an outer housing 12having a central passageway 14 extending longitudinally therethrough.Whereas the housing 12 may be of substantially any desired construction,as shown herein the housing 12 is sectional and comprises a first sleevemember 16 having one open end 17 and outwardly extending oppositelydisposed flanges 18 and 18a provided at the opposite end thereof. Asecond sleeve 19 is secured in substantial axial alignment with thesleeve 16 by a collar 20 and is provided with one open end 21 disposedin the proximity of the open end 17 and oppositely disposed outwardlyextending flanges 22 and 22a at the opposite end thereof. The flanges18-18a and 22-22a are provided with bores 24 and 26, respectively, withthe bores 24 of the flanges 18-18a being substantially axially alignedwith the bores 26 of the flanges 22-22a for a purpose as will behereinafter set forth.

An annular shoulder 28 is provided on the inner periphery of the sleeve16 spaced from the open end 17 thereof for receiving a grid means 28thereon. The grid means 28 is secured in position on the shoulder 28 bythe collar 20 in a manner as will be hereinafter set forth. A spidermember or apertured disc 30 is disposed against the uppermost end of thecollar 20 as viewed in FIG. 1, and an annular shoulder 32 provided onthe inner periphery of the sleeve 19 rests on the ring or disc 30 forretaining the ring in position against the collar 19.

Whereas the collar 20 may be of substantially any well knownconstruction for securing the sleeves 16 and 19 in end to endrelationship, as shown herein substantially one-half the outer peripheryof the collar 20 is tapered radially outwardly in a direction toward thelongitudinal center thereof as shown at 34, and the remaining portion ofthe outer periphery of the collar 20 is tapered radially inwardly towardthe end thereof as shown at 36 in FIG. 1. The inner periphery of thesleeve 16 between the shoulder 28 and the open end 17 thereof ispreferably of a tapered configuration complementary to the taperedportion 34 of the collar 20 for snugly receiving the collar 20thereagainst. In addition, the inner periphery of the sleeve 19 betweenthe shoulder 30 and the open end 21 thereof is preferably of a taperedconfiguration complementary to the tapered portion 36 of the collar 20for snugly receiving the collar 20 thereagainst. Of course, suitablebolts (not shown) may be inserted through the mutually aligned pairs ofbores 24 and 26 for securing the sleeves 16 and 19 together and clampingthe ring 36, collar 20 and grid means 28 therein.

The spider or perforated plate 30 is provided with a central bore 38 forreceiving a hub 40 therethrough. A rotor member or propeller 42 issuitably journalled in the hub 40 in any well known manner (not shown)and is provided with a shaft 44 which extends through and beyond the hub40. A blade or read 46 is secured to the outer end of the shaft 44 inany suitable manner for rotation simultaneously with the rotor 42. Thereed or blade 46 is preferably constructed from a suitable spring steel,preferably approximately five thousanths of an inch in thickness, butnot limited thereto, and the plane of the ead 46 is preferablysubstantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the shaft 44whereby the reed 46 is rotated in the plane of its own surface duringrotation of the rotor 42. In addition, a plurality of spaced apertures48 (FIG. 3) are provided in the reed 46, said apertures preferably beingof a diametric size corresponding to the usual number "80" drill bit,but not limited thereto. Of course, the reed 46 is installed or disposeddownstream of the rotor 42, as clearly shown in FIG. 1. and it is to beunderstood that the sonic reed 46 may be stationary, or retained againstrotation, if desired.

The grid means 28 preferably comprises a pair of substantially identicalgrid-type discs 50 preferably spaced slightly aprt by suitable spacermeans (not shown) in order to preclude excessive restriction to the flowstream moving therethrough. Each disc 50 comprises an annular outer ring52 (FIG. 4) having a single strand of Ni-chrome wire 54 or the like of asuitable diametric size and following a back-and-forth pathway acrossthe open central portion of the rings 52, with the loops or segments ofthe wire 54 at the turning points thereof being molded or otherwisesecured to the ring 52. In addition, the portions of the wire 54spanning the open central portion of the ring 52 are preferablysubstantially mutually parallel. The opposite ends of the wire 54 extendbeyond the outer periphery of the rings 52 as clearly shown in FIG. 4,with one end 56 emerging from one surface of the ring 52 and theopposite end 58 emerging from the opposite surface thereof. In theassembly of the grid means 28, one of the discs 50 is disposed in axialalignment with the other of the discs 50, but with a rotationalorientation between the discs 50 such that the wires 54 of one disc aresubstantially perpendicularly disposed with respect to the wires 54 ofthe other disc. The ends of the wire 54 which emerge from the commonsides or surfaces thereof, or the surfaces facing one another, areconnected in any well known manner, and the connected ends and free endsare suitably connected with an electrical source (not shown), such asthe electrical system of an automobile wherein the internal combustionengine (not shown) with which the device 10 is to be utilized isinstalled. Of course, it will be apparent that the opposite ends 56 and58 of the connected discs 50 may be connected with the electricalsource, and the common wires which are connected between the discs 50will electrically connect the discs 50 in the circuit.

It is to be understood that the grid 28 may be of an ultimatesubstantially unitary construction in that the rings 52 of thecomplementary discs 50 may be cemented or otherwise secured togethersubsequent to the forming of the wires 54 therein whereby in essence theouter rings 52 form a single annular ring (not shown) having a pair ofmutually perpendicularly arranged wire grid portions 54 in spacedrelation in the central portion thereof.

Whereas the housing 12 as shown herein is of a sectional construction,it is to be noted that the outer housing 12 may be of a unitaryconstruction, having a central bore or passageway extendinglongitudinally therethrough wherein the rotor 42, sonic reed 46 and gridmeans 28 may be suitably installed.

The device 10 as shown in FIGS. 1, 2 and 3 is particularly designed andconstructed for use in combination with a single barrel carburetor (notshown) and may be installed between the discharge side of the carburetorand the intake side of the associated manifold (not shown). The device10 is installed in such a way that the rotor or propeller 42 is upstreamfrom the grid means 28 with regard to the flow of the fuel-air mixturefrom the carburetor to the manifold. The carburetor and manifoldfunction in the normal manner therefor, and as the fuel-air mixture ispulled into the manifold from the carburetor, the flow stream movesacross the rotor 42, transmitting rotation thereto. The rotation of therotor 42 stirs the flow stream for an agitation thereof, and as the flowstream continues to move across the sonic reed 46, sonic vibrations areimpressed on the flow stream. The reed 46 may be either electrically ormechanically induced for impressing the sonic vibrations on the flowstream.

The flow stream then moves across the grid means 28 wherein the path oftravel of the stream is straightened and the fuel-air mixture is heated.The portion of the flow stream striking the heated wires 54 issubstantially vaporized, and the remaining portion of the flow stream isheated by radiation. Possibly the flow stream is acted upon the magneticforce field surrounding he wires 54. This force field apparently acts onthe molecular structure of the fuel-air mixture, particularly thehydrocarbon components thereof, which results in a more efficient powerconservation of the fuel-air mixture than otherwise possible.

Under test conditions the increased efficiency of fuel conservation withuse of the device 10 has been found to be considerable. With Dynamometertesting the results showed an increase in mileage per gallon ofapproximately 53.59 per cent, and an increase of two in the engine horsepower. In actual road testing, the mileage per gallon was increased by45.08 per cent. The advantages of such an increased efficiency areapparent.

Referring now to FIGS. 5 and 6, a modified fuel conservation device 60is shown which has been particularly designed and constructed for use incombination with a four barrel carburetor (not shown). The device 60comprises a plate 62 adapted for disposition over the intake opening 64of a suitable manifold 66 and having a plurality of apertures 68 foralignment with similar apertures or bores (not shown) provided in themanifold 66 wherein the plate 62 may be secured to the manifold 66 bysuitable bolts, or the like (not shown). Of course, it is preferable tointerpose a suitable gasket 67 between the plate 62 and the manifold 66.Spaced bores 70, 72. 74 and 76 are provided in the plate 62 insubstantial alignment with the usual bores 78 of the manifold 66. It ispreferable to provide an opening 80 between the bores 70 and 76, and asimilar opening 82 between the bores 72 and 74, but not limited thereto.A fuel-air mixture handling element 84 is suspended within each manifoldbore 78 from the plate 62 and since the elements 84 are substantiallyidentical, only one will be set forth in detail herein.

The element 84 comprises an annular support ring 86 suspended from theplate 62 by an arm 88. The arm 88 may be integral with the plate 62, ormay be secured thereto in any suitable manner, as desired. In inwardlydirected annular shoulder 90 is provided on the inner periphery of thering 86 for receiving the grid means 28 thereagainst, and an annulargroove 92 is provided in the inner periphery of the ring 86 spaced fromthe shoulder 90 for receiving a suitable snap ring or lock washer 94therein for retaining the grid means 28 securely in position against theshoulder 90. A hub member 96 is spaced from the ring 86 and supported insubstantial axial alignment therewith by an arm 98 which is secured toor integral with the arm 88. A rotor 100 of any suitable type isjournalled in the hub 96 in any well known manner for free rotationabout its longitudinal axis, and is provided with a shaft 102 whichextends through and beyond the hub 96 as particularly shown in FIG. 6.The sonic reed or blade 46 is secured to the outer extremity of theshaft 102 in any suitable manner for rotation simultaneously therewith.

The fuel-air mixture is pulled into the manifold 66 from the carburetor(not shown) in the usual manner, and the rotors 100 of the elements 84are disposed directly in the flow stream of the fuel-air mixtureentering the manifold. The moving flow stream transmits rotation to therotors 100, which stir the flow stream for an agitation thereof. Theflow stream then enters the area surrounding the sonic reeds 46 whichimpress a sonic frequency on the flow stream. The fuel-air mixture thenpresses through the grids 28 which heat the flow stream and possiblymagnetically affect the molecular structure of the fuel-air mixturewhile straightening out the flow path of the fuel-air mixture. Theheated grid means 28 also substantially vaporizes the fuel-air mixture.The fuel-air mixture thus treated produces a greatly increasedconservation efficiency as well as increased engine operatingefficiency.

It will be readily apparent that the invention may be utilized withsubstantially any type carburetor and manifold combination, from singlebarrel carburetors to multiple barrel carburetors, with great fuelconservation during operation of the associated engine, or the like.

From the foregoing it will be apparent that the present inventionprovides a novel fuel conservation device comprising three essential andbasic stages: a rotor stage wherein the fuel-air mixture flow stream isstirred for an agitation thereof, a sonic frequency stage wherein sonicfrequency is impressed on the flow stream, and a heated grid stagewherein the flow stream is heated for a substantial vaporization thereofand possibly magnetically affected as well as the straightening of theflow path of the fuel-air mixture leaving the manifold. The novel deviceis simple and efficient in operation and economical and durable inconstruction.

Whereas the present invention has been described in particular relationto the drawings attached hereto, it should be understood that other andfurther modifications, apart from those shown or suggested herein, maybe made within the spirit and scope of this invention.

What is claimed is:
 1. A fuel conservation device adapted to beinterposed in a flow stream for receiving a fuel-air mixturetherethrough and comprising rotor means initially intercepting thefuel-air mixture and being rotated thereby, sonic reed means disposeddownstream of the rotor means for impressing sonic vibrations on saidfuel-air mixture to facilitate mixing of the fuel and air componentsthereof, and heated grid means disposed downstream of the sonic reedmeans for substantial vaporization of the fuel-air mixture.
 2. A fuelconservation device as set forth in claim 1 wherein the rotor meanscomprises a propeller member journalled in a hub member and having ashaft extending through and beyond said hub member and rotatable withsaid propeller member, and said sonic reed means is secured to saidshaft for rotation simultaneously with the propeller member.
 3. A fuelconservation device as set forth in claim 1 wherein the grid meanscomprises a pair of substantially identical grid discs, each of saidgrid discs having a plurality of mutually parallel wires securedthereacross, said discs being disposed in spaced longitudinal alignmentand rotationally orientated whereby the wires of one of said discs aresubstantially perpendicular with respect to the wires of the other ofsaid discs.
 4. A fuel conservation device as set forth in claim 3wherein each of said discs comprises an annular ring member, acontinuous wire woven in a back-and-forth path to provide said mutuallyparallel arrangement, the connecting loop portions at each turn aroundpoint of the wire being secured to the annular ring member, one end ofsaid wire emerging from one surface of the annular ring member, and theother end of the wire emerging from the oppositely disposed surface ofthe annular ring member.
 5. A fuel conservation device as set forth inclaim 4 wherein the wire ends emerging from the facing surface of thetwo discs are connected together.
 6. A fuel conservation devicecomprising housing means adapted to be interposed between a carburetorand manifold for receiving a fuel-air mixture flow stream therethrough,rotor means journalled within the housing and disposed in the flowstream for rotation thereby to agitate the flow stream for facilitatingmixing of the fuel and air components thereof, sonic reed means disposeddownstream of the rotor means and operably connected thereto forrotation simultaneously therewith to impress sonic vibrations on theagitated fuel-air mixture flow stream, heated grid means disposed in thehousing means downstream of the sonic reed means for heating the flowstream for vaporization thereof to increase the efficiency of theconservation of the fuel.
 7. A fuel conservation device as set forth inclaim 6 wherein the rotor means includes a propeller journalled on a huband having a shaft extending through and beyond the hub, said sonic reedmeans being secured to the shaft for rotation simultaneously with thepropeller.
 8. A fuel conservation device as set forth in claim 6 whereinthe sonic reed means comprises a substantially flat reed member havingthe plane thereof disposed substantially perpendicular to thelongitudinal axis of the shaft, said reed member being provided with aplurality of spaced apertures.
 9. A fuel conservation device as setforth in claim 8 wherein the reed member is constructed from springsteel.
 10. A fuel conservation device as set forth in claim 9 whereinthe spring steel is approximately five thousandths of an inch inthickness, and the apertures are of a diametric size substantially equalto the size of a number "80" drill bit.
 11. A fuel conservation deviceas set forth in claim 6 wherein the grid means comprises a pair oflongitudinally spaced substantially identical grid discs, each ofsaidgrid discs comprising a plurality of mutually parallel wires extendingthereacross, said grid discs being rotationally orientated with respectto eachother whereby the mutually parallel wires of one grid discs aresubstantially perpendicular to the mutually parallel wires of the othergrid discs, meansconnecting the wires of one disc with the wires of theother disc, and means for electrically connecting the discs with asource of electrical current for heating of the grid means.
 12. A fuelconservation device as set forth in claim 6 wherein the rotor meansincludes a plurality of propeller members journalled in independent hubmembers, and including a sonic read means and grid means for each ofsaid propeller members.
 13. A fuel conservation device adapted to beinterposed in a flow stream for receiving a fuel-air mixturetherethrough and comprising in sequential combination rotor meansintercepting the air-fuel mixture and being rotated thereby, sonic meansfor impressing sonic vibrations on said fuel-air mixture to facilitatemixing of the fuel and air components thereof, and heated grid means forsubstantial vaporization of the fuel-air mixture.
 14. A fuelconservation device comprising housing means adapted to be interposedbetween a carburetor and manifold for receiving a fuel-air mixture flowstream therethrough, rotor means journalled within the housing anddisposed in the flow stream for rotation thereby to agitate the flowstream for facilitating mixing of the fuel and air components thereof,sonic means disposed in sequential combination with said rotor means andoperably connected thereto for rotation simultaneously therewith toimpress sonic vibrations on the agitated fuel-air mixture flow stream,heated grid means disposed in the housing means in sequentialcombination with said rotor means and sonic means for heating the flowstream for vaporization thereof to increase the efficiency of theconservation of the fuel.